I think the 525efi is about the same cost as the hp3 and they have closed cooling also. If I was to rank the motors the way I feel they are it would go 500efi, hp3, 525efi, and the 525efi is going to be easyer and cheaper to hop up later.

you bring up a good point unlike some out there cost and resale are a consideration. does everyone still like the 525 EFI s ? and are they 502 or 496 blocks ?

Excuse my ignorance, but aren't the HP500 and 500EFI 2 diff. motors. I thought the HP was a carb motor.

HP500 is carb, same block and internals as HP500EFI, which is just EFI. Both based on 502 block.

I would go with HP525EFI from merc.

The BLUE one's

I was in the situation a few years back,
I'm glad I did what I did

I have the 496HO, I couldn't afford the upgrade for the 500, but I'm not happy with the 496HO from a power standpoint. If I had it to do over again, I'd get neither, rather have a 540 built for less money than the 500. Go with the 500 if price is not an issue.

500 EFIs, though the Vortechs or the 525 EFIs with the ITS system makes a compelling combination.

I don't think they are available to the public yet.

The closed cooling system and SmartCraft are pretty cool.

And as far as resale, remember the 500EFI cost about twice as much for 75hp Will you really re-coop the difference

When I ordered my 33 Outlaw, I went through the same question. The upgrade was a substancial amt. of $ so I went w/ the 496HO's and through in some extra $ for custom paint.